Grand Touring car standard defined by this beautiful work of art. It was a couple years before the other 90's import sports cars, and therefore laid the groundwork. Best all around import beast in handling, power, styling, and driver-centric design. Twin turbo charged and naturally aspirated; the Z car has achieved beyond cult-like following that no other import sports car could touch.

Chris: Hey Mike whats up? Did you beat that 300zx last night?
Mike: Well he spun wheels all the way to the next light..
Chris: And?
Mike: I lost..
Chris: So your telling me your integra lost to a 300zx that did a burnout all the way to the next light?
Mike: Shut up man its rear wheel drive and I didn't have enough downforce.
Chris: RIIIIICERRR

A sports car that evolved from the early Datsun/Honda rivalry of who was the best Japanese automaker. The 300zx was developed over a couple decades while Datsun produced the 240z, 260z and 280z (2.4, 2.6, 2.8 liters) and in 1984 created the Z31 300zx (3 liters). The Z31 came in turbo and NA (naturally aspirated) and also in a 2+2 model. The turbo models were fast but the 300zx was known best for its affordability. A Z31 was sold for between 19-$25,000 new. The Z32 came out in 1990 and was available with a twin turbo, capable of being tuned to have horsepower comparable to Ferrari's and Lamborghini's. However, the car no longer became affordable as it started to cost 45-$50,000. The Z series was put on hiatus in 1996 but has since returned in the 350Z in 2003.

I own a 1988 300zx 2+2 and even though it's not the fastest thing in the world, I get plenty more looks than those damn ricers and their civics/eclipses/integras...